LET’S GET IT ON!

The all-new Toyota Hilux is expected to make a splash in the country’s pickup truck segment.
CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO

All-new Toyota Hilux  out to join  tough pickup truck competition

With the arrival of the all-new Toyota Hilux, competition in the country’s pickup truck segment is expected to heat up.
Early this year, the country’s motoring industry projected exciting competition in the pickup truck category with news of the release of several anticipated models such as the all-new Nissan Navara, all-new Mitsubishi Strada and the all-new Hilux, all of which will be joining the already impressive lineup composed of the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Chevrolet Colorado and the Mazda BT-50.
Nissan first released the Navara NP300 early this year followed by the bigger and better Strada. Now, it’s Toyota’s turn to show off its bet with the introduction of the eighth-generation Hilux.
Can it stand its ground against the tough competition?
Toyota Mandaue-South gave Cebu Daily News a chance to test its all-new Hilux to see if this bet could remain as one of the top performers in its segment.

It may look similar to the previous model but this rear bed is bigger.
CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO

At first glance, it is clear that the Toyota workhorse has gained some size and its styling has become more refined. It looks sleeker than its previous model, making it in line with the transformation of the upcoming all-new Fortuner, which is expected to reach  our shores late this year or early next year.
A quick examination of the Hilux showed that this new version doesn’t actually stray far from its predecessor. It retained the good characteristics of the previous version and then fixed some of its weaknesses.
The biggest change we liked was the shift from the  1KD-FTV and 2KD-FTV engines to the all-new 1GD-FTV and 2GD-FTV powerplants.
This new generation smaller-displacement engine is said to be more powerful, more fuel efficient, and more environment friendly. The 2.8-liter 1KD-FTV engine found in the top-spec four-wheel drive variant is said to deliver 174 horsepower and 450 newton meter of torque while the 2.4-liter 2KD-FTV engine has settings of 147 horsepower and 400 NM of torque.

This new generation smaller-displacement engine is more powerful, more fuel efficient, and more environment friendly.
CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO

Just minutes after driving the Crimson Spark Red Metallic-colored 4X4 Hilux lent to us, we immediately noticed the huge improvement of the all-new engine. It was so quiet and its reactions so quick, almost like how a petrol engine would perform.
The old four-speed automatic and five-speed manual trannies have also given way to a new-generation six-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmission.
Another improvement that will surely be music to the ears of Toyota pickup fans is the better suspension of the new Hilux. The previous model wasn’t known for its impressive ride but that should change with the new Hilux. The eighth-gen retains the double wishbone front and live-axle rear with leaf spring suspension design but Toyota engineers must have done a lot of work in coming up with the right formula to make the Hilux’s ride as comfortable as possible.
The comfort reminded us of how it felt sitting inside the Navara in a trip to Ilocos Norte early this year. And let’s be reminded that the Navara uses a five-link, coil spring rear suspension that is usually used in SUVs.
If the Hilux could match the Navara’s ride comfort now, that should be scary news for the competition.

The Hilux’s dashboard is more sophisticated and luxurious than the previous generation.
CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO

Safety-wise, the Hilux has seven airbags (available in the top-of-the-line 4×4 automatic G variants) with hill-start assist, ABS-EBD brakes, with brake assist, integrated vehicle stability and traction control and A-Trac advanced traction control.
Inside, the dashboard is more sophisticated and luxurious and the fit-and-finish is decent.
There’re enough compartments inside with the most interesting found above the passenger side glove compartment. It actually serves as a cooler since it can get cool air from the aircon vent just right beside it.
The new Hilux may have some minor flaws like the absence of  a push start/stop button, power adjustable driver seats and LED daytime running lights. But we don’t think that’s enough to pull down the Hilux.
At the end of the day, we believe the Hilux will still be among the top contenders in this competitive segment because it delivers what most Filipinos need: power, comfort, safety and reliability.
And because it’s a Toyota, we know this pickup truck will sell well. The all-new Hilux is available at Toyota Mandaue-South  along Ouano Avenue at the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City (236-0951).